Log #2

Shandra Woworuntu: My life as a sex-trafficking victim

Shandra Woworuntu first arrived in the US expecting to have a new job and support her daughter only to become a victim of human trafficking. She was forced to take drugs and drinking while providing sex day and night.

I actually lost myself in reading Shandra's story. When she talked about her days in the brothels and the people she met during her days of forced prostitution, I couldn't help but ache for her, especially when she said she felt numb and emotionless. Moreover, I was overwhelmed with anger when I learned that some of the traffickers were Taiwanese. I simply couldn't believe that people from my country are a part of the brutal and heartless process of human trafficking. When Shandra finally escaped from the traffickers, no one was willing to help her, not even police or the Indonesian consulate. She was homeless and had to beg for food. Not until she met Eddy, who believed in her, did she is truly saved. The traffickers were caught by the FBI and Shandra was finally being able to start her life again. I really admire her for what she had when the Indonesian government requested her to retract her statement about the refusal to help. I think it takes courage to stand up for the truth or what you believe is right.

When I read stories about the victims of human trafficking or child marriage and how they recovered from the painful experience, it made me start thinking how could I help those girls who are same age like me or even younger than me when I grow up. I guess the first step for me now is to truly understand what really is happening around the world.

Resource: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35846207